Biosafety Regulatory Reviews and Leeway to Operate: Case Studies From Sub-Sahara Africa.

While modern biotechnology and, specifically, genetic modification are subject of debate in many parts of the world, an increasing number of countries in Sub-Sahara Africa are making important strides towards authorizing general releases of genetically modified (GM) crop varieties for use by farmers and agribusinesses. Obviously, the documented economic and environmental benefits from planting GM crops-based on a track record of over two decades-are a major driver in the decision-making process. Another key factor is the increasing alignment of biosafety regulatory policies with progressive agricultural and rural development policies in Africa, resulting in-compared to past experiences-greater emphasis on anticipated benefits rather than risks in biosafety regulatory reviews.